Quinn, Jack Hughes fire back at Toronto press post-Gold Medal win

There appears to be a compelling storyline developing around Auston Matthews after the Team USA captain captured gold against Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games on Sunday.

After the victory, Matthews was asked whether the win would boost his confidence heading back to the NHL. The question didn’t appear to sit well with him, and it quickly sparked passionate responses from brothers Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes, who jumped to his defence and took aim at the Toronto media.

“I think it doesn’t matter what anyone says now,” Jack said. “Auston Matthews is a winner. Auston Matthews is an Olympic gold medalist.”

Quinn echoed that sentiment while directly calling out the coverage Matthews has received. “That’s what the media in Toronto should be saying now,” he said. “Auston Matthews led us to a championship.”

Matthews appeared to back his teammates’ comments but declined to elaborate further. “I don’t have anything else to say,” he stated.

The Leafs captain looked overjoyed following the gold medal triumph and was visibly emotional when addressing reporters. Given the scrutiny he has faced throughout his NHL career over playoff results, it’s no surprise he chose to simply savor the moment after delivering on the biggest international stage.